by:
Lazinger, Susan S.

Publisher:
Libraries Unlimited
Published:November 15, 2001
ISBN:1563087774
Format:Paperback
Pages:359

Description: From Library Journal
Lazinger (senior lecturer, School of Library Science, Archive and Information Studies, Hebrew University of Jerusalem) comprehensively presents in understandable terms a complex and protean topic. She argues that the issue of digital preservation has gained a new urgency since the advent of the web. Likewise, it is sobering to note that "there is no comprehensive system or legal responsibility within the U.S. government to identify, capture, retain, and provide continuous public access to electronic files of government information." Aside from the responsibility of the library and archival community to preserve the historical record, the investment in creating digital libraries and in purchasing electronic resources demands action to protect that investment. The problem of digital preservation is essentially defined by technological obsolescence: the "solutions" refreshing, migration, and emulation each having their limitations and costs. Lazinger includes an excellent chapter on "How Much Will It Cost?," conveniently bringing together helpful information for decision-makers. The inescapable drawback of her book is that the approaches discussed are in such flux that it remains incumbent upon readers to update themselves occasionally (through web sites such as the Council on Library and Information Resources, www.clir.org) on changes in the field. Gregory Hunter's Preserving Digital Information (Professional Media, LJ 10/15/00) is less clogged with acronyms but lighter on discussions of metadata the apparent key to the survivability of digital information. Highly recommended for all larger libraries and archives and for those in IS facing the challenges of this issue. Barry Chad, Carnegie Lib. of Pittsburgh
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description:
This book addresses critical issues of preservation, giving you everything you need to effectively protect your resources--from problems of obsolescence, to responsibilities, methods of preservation, cost, and metadata formats.